SIGNS THAT INDICATE A POTENTIAL HEART ATTACK
Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack can help you save a life—your own or someone else's.
The warning signs, however, are not one-size-fits-all. Heart attacks produce different symptoms in different people, particularly in women, so it's essential to know what they can look like in order to be able to recognize a heart attack and respond appropriately.
THE WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
The most common symptoms of a heart attack are:
Pressure or tightness in the chest and left arm
Abdominal pain
Nausea and indigestion
Being short of breath
Cold sweats
Tiredness
Sudden dizziness
Not everyone will experience these symptoms during a heart attack, however, and they can vary in severity. Also, they can start appearing well before the actual heart attack happens, sometimes days or weeks before. That's why it's crucial to seek medical help as soon as you notice these warning signs.
In women, heart attack signs are more likely to take the form of shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, stomach issues including vomiting, and pain in the neck and jaw. Chest pressure, which is usually thought of as the definitive sign of a heart attack, may be entirely absent.
If you or someone around you is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Every second matters during a heart attack and acting quickly can make all the difference.
REDUCING THE RISK OF HEART ATTACK
While it’s important to be able to recognize a heart attack, it is far preferable to prevent one from ever occurring in the first place.
Heart attacks have many risk factors ranging from a family history of heart disease to lifestyle choices. Once again, women are affected somewhat differently. They have additional risk factors in the form of menopause, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
There are several ways to reduce your risk of heart attack:
Don’t smoke or vape
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly
FIND OUT MORE
Your doctor is your partner in protecting your heart health. If you’d like to learn more about how to prevent heart attacks and how to respond effectively when one does occur, contact us to schedule an appointment.